Connecticut is one of the most charming of all the American states. With a rustic mix of coastal towns and rural havens, there is a lot to love about this area of New England. Unlike many US states, Connecticut has access to the coast; calling all surfers, sand lovers, and beach bums! Being on the Atlantic Coast the weather can be harsh at times, but when the sun shines over Connecticut, it is glorious.
From New Haven to Mystic there is always something to discover in Connecticut. Mystic, for example, is famous for its Seaport Museum, which houses ancient sailing ships, and the Mystic Aquarium, which houses the Beluga Whales.
So, does Connecticut sound appealing?
Regardless of whether you end up in this part of the world, there are specific baseline requirements that your new homestead must meet. From access to good public schools for those with young children and easy access to commuter routes for those who have to travel to work, there is an awful lot to think about.
Not wanting to overwhelm anyone, we have created this list of the 15 best places to live in Connecticut to give you an idea of your options in this great American state.
1. Simsbury
Source: Shanshan0312 / shutterstockTaking the top spot on the best places to live in Connecticut is the town of Simsbury. This award-winning town has a community that was federally designed as a “Preserve America” community.
Simsbury is a charming town with historic residences, dining, farms, and plenty of open space. With its various hiking trails, a river, and a bike path, the town of Simsbury has a lot of outdoor recreation available for its residents.
Simsbury is almost home to the most giant tree in Connecticut, the Pinchot Sycamore. With a population of over twenty-four thousand, Simsbury has an excellent public school system, is a great place to raise a family, and has a thriving economy.
With its outdoor recreation, excellent school system, and healthcare facilities, Simsbury is a great place for families to call home.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Simsbury Connecticut are:
- Heublein Tower
- Talcott Mountain State Park
- Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge
- Simsbury Historical Society
- Phelps Tavern
- Simsbury Center Historic District
- Stratton Brook State Park
- Rosedale Farms & Vineyards
- The Storyteller’s Cottage
- Pinchot Sycamore
- Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center
- Cycling
- Flamig Farm
- Roaring Brook Nature Center
- Simsbury Farms Golf Course
2. New Canaan
Source: barbsimages / shutterstockSituated in Fairfield County along the Fivemile River, you’ll find the town of New Canaan, one of the best places to live in Connecticut. The town of New Canaan is a rural town and is known for its modern homes. This charming town is covered in landscapes and architecture and has a bustling downtown scene.
With its great reputation as one of the best places to raise a family, the town of New Canaan is known for its famous residents from different industries. In addition, the New Canaan Center in Fairfield County gives its residents many retail options.
The streets of New Canaan are lined with boutique shops, high-end commercial stores, home goods, dining options, and more. With its population of around twenty thousand residents, some of the popular activities of New Canaan include the Annual Summer Village Fair and Sidewalk Sales.
If you want to experience a New England town with style and sensibility, New Canaan is the perfect place to call home.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in New Canaan are:
- The Philip Johnson Glass House
- Waveny Park
- Silvermine Arts Center
- Grace Farms
- New Canaan Historical Society
- New Canaan Nature Center
- Carriage Barn Arts Center
- Mead Memorial Park
- Browne Wildlife Sanctuary
- Summer Theatre of New Canaan
- Irwin Park
- Mill Pond Park
- St Mark’s Episcopal Church
- Stamford Museum & Nature Center
- New Canaan Halloween Parade
3. Old Greenwich
Source: Dougtone / FlickrOld Greenwich is a charming waterfront community considered one of Connecticut’s best places to live. This New England town sits on a peninsula with over six thousand residents.
While roaming the community, you’ll come across colorful streets and scenic coastlines. On South Beach Avenue, plenty of small and local businesses are in the village. From the village, you’ll find winding and curvy roads leading you right to the gorgeous shoreline.
The town of Old Greenwich is community-centered. You’ll find many residences close together, with residents sitting on their front porches and keeping involved in the community to maintain their stunning beaches.
In Old Greenwich, you’ll find antique homes and modern mansions, most of which go for over one million. In northern towns, you can find cape cod and colonial homes for just under a million. Old Greenwich is the perfect place to call home if you can afford it!
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Old Greenwich are:
- Putnam Cottage
- Flinn Art Gallery
- Bruce Museum
- Greenwich Point Park
- Greenwich Audubon Center
- Montgomery Pinetum & Pomerance Park
- Mianus River State Park
- Hiking in Babcock Preserve
4. Weatogue
Source: Craig Hallett / FlickrAs a tiny suburb of Hartford and home to only 3,000 people the neighborhood of Weatogue has a village-like feel. House prices here are far more affordable meaning Weatogue is accessible rather than aspirational. House prices here are much more within the reach of the average working American.
With that in mind, it will be a very little surprise to hear that Weatogue is considered the best place in Connecticut to buy a house.
Crime in the area is very low, perhaps due to the small population or their neighborly attitude. Families, retirees, and millennials are all welcomed here with open arms.
Entertainment and Activities
Some of the best things to do in or near Weatogue are:
- Roaring Brook Nature Center
- The Children’s Museum
- The Mark Twain House
- Wolcott Park and Spray Pad
- Bushnell Park and Carousel
- Weatogue Park
- Paw Meadow Dog Park
- Granbrook Park
- The Brewery at Maple View Farm
5. Weston
Source: Dougtone / FlickrLocated about forty-five miles away from New York City and with over ten thousand residents, Weston is a unique but sophisticated community. Weston has an excellent school system, minimal commercial development, and plenty of open spaces, making this an ideal place for families to call home.
You won’t find much traffic in this town, but that’s a good thing, right? When residents need to dine or shop around, they can head to the Weston Town Center. Weston Town Center has a local food market, bank, post office, restaurant, and gas station.
This caring community of residents has a history of volunteerism and has spent plenty of serving on town boards. Residents in Weston are always helping each other out in times of need. If you want to move to a quiet town away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Weston is an exceptional place to call home.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Weston are:
- Devil’s Den Preserve
- Coley Homestead
- Weir Farm National Historic Site
- Lachat Town Farm
- Trout Brook Valley Preserve
- Norfield Congregational Church
- Katharine Ordway Preserve
- Amber Falls
- Great Ledge
- Bisceglie-Scribner Park
- Bradley Edge Tool Company Historic District
- Ambler Farm
- Weston Farmers’ Market
- Wilton Playshop
6. Avon
Source: Dougtone / FlickrSituated in the Farmington Valley and bordered by the Talcott Mountain range, you’ll find the town of Avon, one of Connecticut’s best places to live. If you’ve been searching for tranquil living, Avon is the perfect location.
This peaceful town has top-rated services, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor recreation. Just a short drive away in West Hartford, you can find shopping, restaurants, attractions, and businesses. With Avon being centrally located in Connecticut, you can get to any point of the state within an hour and the big cities within two hours.
If you enjoy outdoor recreation, Avon has many parks, hiking and walking trails for its residents. Here residents can take seasonal classes and activities and take advantage of their two golf courses.
If you love relaxing away from the big city but still love the opportunity to take day trips, Avon is the perfect place to call home!
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Avon are:
- Avon Old Farms School
- Farmington Valley Arts Center
- Knit & Pearls
- Blue Fox Run Golf Course
- Pine Grove School House
- Horse Guard State Park
- Susan Prentice Studio & Gallery
- Max a Mia
- Seasons Restaurant at Avon Old Farms Hotel
- The Elephant Trail
7. Glastonbury
Source: Dougtone / FlickrGlastonbury is another suburb of Hartford and another suburb on our list to be a real all-rounder. The western border of Glastonbury flows with the meander of the Connecticut River.
According to the history books, this area was founded in 1693, but the first set of settlers arrived in 1636. Houses here in Glastonbury are of the classic New England style and much like in Avon and Weatogue you get good value for money too.
With a population of over thirty-five thousand residents, the residents of Glastonbury can enjoy many historic sites, nature parks, the Connecticut River, and activities and programs offered by the town.
Parents who want their children to attend outstanding public schools would see themselves right to relocate here. It is one of the larger schooling districts in Connecticut and with 46 outstanding schools to choose from you can’t go too far wrong.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Glastonbury are:
- Riverfront Park
- Glastonbury Historic District
- Apple Harvest & Music Festival
- Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry
- Historical Society of Glastonbury
- Blackledge Falls
- Welles Turner Memorial Library
- Dondero Orchards
- Crystal Ridge Winery
- Rose’s Berry Farm
- Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
- Minnechaug Golf Course
- Central Rock Gym
- Welles-Shipman-Ward House
- Cotton Hollow Preserve
8. Ridgefield
Source: Dougtone / FlickrOne of the best places to live in Connecticut and with a population of over twenty-five thousand residents, Ridgefield hosts the highly historic Main Street, an excellent public school system, and has been rated the safest town in Connecticut.
Residents in this lovely town have many options for shopping at the town’s unique boutiques, local shops on Danbury Road, and casual cuisine when dining out. With so much to offer in this unique, charming setting, many families are flocking here as a place to call home!
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Ridgefield are:
- Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center
- Weir Farm National Historic Site
- Ridgefield Playhouse
- Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
- Main Street
- Prospector Theater
- ACT of Connecticut
- Garden of Ideas
- Devil’s Den Preserve
- Pine Mountain/Hemlock Hills
- Ridgefield Historical Society
- Saltana Cave
- Seth Low Pierrepont State Park
- Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden
- Saugatuck Reservoir
9. Greenwich
Source: James Kirkikis / shutterstockKnown as one of the oldest towns in the state, Greenwich has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Connecticut. Located only a short fifty-minute train ride from New York City, the town of Greenwich gives you a charming New England feel while still being able to experience the feel of the big city.
The scenic landscapes here will have you reminiscing about Europe if you’ve ever been. While the dining and cultural scenes will have you reminiscing about Manhattan, only without the traffic. Many wealthy residents who work in Manhattan live in Greenwich and don’t mind its easy commute.
While strolling around town, you’ll notice well-taken care of gardens, historical homes, and mansions. With a population of over sixty thousand, Greenwich offers much more than a regular town should and was rated one of the cutest towns in Connecticut.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Greenwich are:
- Bruce Museum
- Greenwich Avenue Historic District
- Audubon Center
- Bush-Holley House
- Greenwich Point Park
- Island Ferries
- Fjord Fish Market, Cos Cob
- Diane’s Books
- Greenwich Polo Club
- Montgomery Pinetum
- Neuberger Museum of Art
- Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens
- Bruce Park
- Flinn Gallery
- Putnam Cottage
10. Woodbridge
Source: Dougtone / FlickrWith a population of over nine thousand, this town of Woodbridge is engulfed in green countryside with single-family homes on acres of land.
This town has an excellent school system, an abundance of walking trails, recreational programs, and a traditional small-town charm. The businesses in Woodbridge are located only a short distance from transportation including I-95 and Route 8 Highway.
The residents of Woodbridge live close to medical, entertainment, businesses, and educational services. If you’re considering moving to the small town of Woodbridge, it’s a great place to work and live!
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in or near Woodbridge are:
- New England Brewing Co
- The Tradition Golf Club at Oak Lane
- Savino Vineyards
- Palestine Museum
- Amity Bowl
- SeaQuest Connecticut
- Brookside Farm Market
- Yale Peabody Museum
- Quassy Amusement & Water Park
- West Rock Ridge State Park
off the streets.
11. Newfield
Niche has listed Newfield as one of Connecticut’s best places to live. While living in Newfield, residents experience an urban feel, with many renting their homes.
While living in Newfield, you’ll find many parks, restaurants, and coffee shops, making it an excellent location for young professionals and families. Near Newfield in Stamford, you’ll find many large corporations.
Nearby, you’ll find the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Cove Island Park, and other beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Newfield are:
- Stamford Museum & Nature Center
- Cove Island Park
- Curtain Call, Inc
- The Ferguson Library
- First Presbyterian Church
- The Palace Theatre
- Half Full Brewery
- Bartlett Arboretum
- Captain John’s Tiki Tours
- Fort Stamford Park
12. Darien
Source: barbsimages / shutterstockWith a population of around twenty-two thousand residents, Darien is the smallest city on Connecticut’s coast. It’s also one of the wealthiest communities and has two railroad stations that connect to Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal for transportation.
Situated between Stamford and Norwalk, it has many outdoor recreational outlets, including public beaches and country clubs. In addition, the schools in Darien are ranked some of the highest in the state of Connecticut.
Residents living in Darien enjoy its natural setting and atmosphere. With its large homes and coastline features, Darien is one of the best places to live in Connecticut for families.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Darien are:
- Pear Tree Point Beach
- Darien Historical Society
- Darien Library
- Cherry Lawn Park
- The Mather Homestead
- Cove Island Park
- The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
- Weed Beach
- Waveny Park
- Tilley Pond Park
- Lock City Brewing Company
- Geary Gallery
- Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum
- South Norwalk Historic District (SoNo)
- Salt Cave of Darien
13. West Hartford
Source: Dan Hanscom / shutterstockIf you’re looking for a diverse community in Connecticut that offers an urban and suburban experience, you’ll love to live in West Hartford. West Hartford offers a caring community with excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, and programs for all ages.
West Hartford is a charming and affordable suburb of the state capital. Affordable compared to Darien that is. The median home value here is far more attainable for the average working family.
This area is very popular with millennials, perhaps due to house prices being at the lower end of the scale for Connecticut.
Local people say there is a lot to love about this area and that it is an ideal location to situate yourself to raise a family. The town is safe and secure, and plenty of activities are available for people of all ages; hiking, swimming, and social clubs.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in West Hartford are:
- Elizabeth Park
- West Hartford Center
- Blue Back Square
- Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
- The Children’s Museum
- Art Museum, University of Saint Joseph
- Westmoor Park
- West Hartford Reservoir
- Playhouse on Park
- Westfarms
- Wolcott Park
- Fernridge Park
- Mark Twain House & Museum
- Thomas Hooker Brewery
- Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
14. Riverside
Source: www.elliman.comRiverside is an incredibly affluent overflow suburb of Greenwich, a suburb of New York City. You will be hard-pressed to get change from $1m here in Riverside, but the properties are majestic.
The median household income here is above average, so even though many of these properties are bought with mortgages, the cost is water off a duck’s back in the grand scheme of things.
Riverside is on par with the rest of the state in many ways, especially public schooling. Parents who want their child to have the best, and let’s face it what parent doesn’t, should seriously consider relocating to Connecticut.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in or near Riverside are:
- RPM Raceway
- Greenwich Point Park
- Cos Cob Park
- Cove Island Park
- Greenwich Wine and Food Festival
- Playland Park
- Northern Lights Bar and Lounge
15. Cos Cob
Source: wikimedia.orgRounding off our list is Cos Cob, which is part of the town of Greenwich. In this town, the majority of homes that you’ll find are single-family homes on large land with pools.
Located north of Cos Cob Harbor, you’ll find Cos Cob Park which has miles of walking trails, a playground, a pavilion, and a 9/11 memorial. In addition, the schools in Cos Cob are highly rated, making this an ideal place to raise a family.
Given the small population the school district is small too, only 7 schools on offer but in true Connecticut style, they are outstanding.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Cos Cob are:
- Bush-Holley House Museum
- Greenwich Botanical Center
- Fjord Fish Market